Features of warm and semi-warm balcony glazing

Most of the living space in our country is not large. This is especially true of the old fund. To make life in a small apartment more comfortable, you have to look for different redevelopment options. The most common way to increase the size of a room is to connect it to a balcony or loggia. This part can be used as an office, a winter garden, a place for reading or relaxing - there are a lot of options. In our country, this implies not only high-quality glazing, but also the insulation of the balcony space.

There are three types of balcony glazing: cold, warm and semi-warm. The first option is fundamentally different from the other two in that warming measures are not carried out. Semi-warm glazing includes the use of window profiles made of plastic with a sliding mechanism. Such a mechanism does not allow maximum isolation. However, these types of profiles are much easier, easier to install than aluminum. In addition, a good degree of sound insulation is provided.

The semi-warm option is suitable for small apartments of the old fund, since the balcony openings in them are most often very small. Among the advantages of this option:

• ease of construction in comparison with that used in warm installation;
• plate load is significantly reduced due to compactness;
• can be used for remote types of balcony structures, which will provide additional area;
• Comfort and warmth on the balcony.

Warm glazing is somewhat different from semi-warm. This mounting variation is suitable:

• to organize a comfortable space connected to a room in the living room;
• increase the area of ​​the kitchen or studio;
• room warming due to a warm balcony.

This installation uses double-glazed windows with one or two-chamber type with a low degree of emission, which perfectly save energy. The glass coating has the ability to reflect heat energy. Frames in double-glazed windows can be different. The choice of material is an extremely important point:

• woodThe original appearance is combined with the lack of contour-type seals;
• PVC - the degree of heat transfer is quite low;
• aluminum - has special additional protection against cold, thermal locks, the most popular material;
• fiberglass - high strength, long service life, excellent thermal insulation performance;
• combination from different materials provides a spectacular appearance and practicality, such as wood and aluminum.

Do not forget about the front panoramic type of glazing. This is a very spectacular view of the design of the balcony, which allows more light penetration.

Before choosing the type of glazing, you should weigh the pros and cons. Among the advantages of semi-warm installation are the following:

• light weight - suitable for weak plates;
• does not fog up the surface– two glasses with a desiccant ensure no moisture on the glass;
• hard to crack - securely closes;
• leakage and wind protection - provided by brush seals in all corners;
• space increase - the size of the profile in depth does not take up much space;
• budget price - much lower than that of warm glazing.

Advantages of warm mounting:

• the dimensions of the room are increasing, the main purpose of warming is the connection of the balcony space with the room, that is, it becomes a logical and warm continuation of the room;
• good noise isolation - thanks to modern double-glazed windows with various properties of sound absorption;
• if the system is airtight the room gets rid of drafts, moisture, dampness;
• great amount arrangement opportunities attached space, beautiful design with textiles;
• duration of use - from 30 years, subject to the use of high-quality materials and competent installation.

At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the disadvantages:

• quite a considerable weight, which can not be used on every balcony slab, sometimes strengthening is required, in any case, specialist advice is required;
• these structures are quite large and “eat up” a large amount of balcony space, although due to the increase in the room this minus can be considered relative;
• reduction in the size of natural light, the room will have slightly less light;
• serious financial expenses, which consist of a rather complicated installation and materials.

The difference between thermal insulation and the cold version is even more obvious. In the cold, materials without thermal insulation properties, ordinary frames, double-glazed windows without thermal properties are used. There is no space insulation:

• walls;
• the ceiling;
• gender.

Slots do not close up, so nothing prevents cold air. This type of installation will suit those who use the balcony space only in the warm season. The advantage of this option is that the balcony is protected from dust, dirt, drafts, rain, snow.It is possible to dry clothes on it without problems. In addition, this design is quite light, does not take up extra space. Low cost installation is another benefit. As for the minuses in comparison with the warm and half-warm options, then there are also a lot of them:

• lack of heat and sound insulation;
• tightness below;
• in frost, the glass may be covered with ice.

Self-glazing is a rather complicated task, it is necessary to have professional skills have the appropriate tools and know all about safety.

The toolkit is largely dependent on the choice of materials to be used. As the main set should be prepared:

• levels;
• measuring roulettes;
• hammers;
• impact drill;
• screwdriver;
• metal cutting device;
• woodworking tool;
• if necessary, a rivet type gun;
• all for plastering.

As for safety, work at heights has its own characteristics. Firstly, it must be an adult with certain skills. Secondly, protective equipment is needed: a safety belt, glasses from fragments. Knowing the rules of first aid, how to behave in case of fire will come in handy.

There are features of glazing that must be taken into account:

• work is carried out in special clothes;
• it is first necessary to check the serviceability of the tool;
• protect the work area so that other people do not get there;
• all work with glass is carried out in mittens or other options for protecting hands;
• always wear a safety belt;
• Tools must be kept in special containers.

Before you start installing the balcony, you should thoroughly prepare the room. First of all, the reliability of the slab, the base of the balcony structure is evaluated. To do this, it is better to contact a specialist. After this, the protective structure is installed, its reliability is checked. It should be checked - how thick is the outer wall. Brickwork may be required.

The external wall is necessarily insulated. After all these measures are carried out, measurements of window openings are carried out, then double-glazed windows are ordered. When all the constructions are ready and delivered, their complete staffing is checked, the installation itself can be carried out.

Installation takes place according to the following algorithm:

• the beginning of work - analysis of windows, sashes, glazing beads and their removal;
• new double-glazed windows are unpacked, the film is removed;
• the perimeter of the frames is fixed with anchor type plates;
• frames are inserted into the openings and installed using a level and wedges;
• now it’s the turn of fixing the anchor plates;
• the void is foamed with special mounting foam;
• double-glazed windows are installed in frames;
• wings are hung;
• after you can proceed to the processes of warming;
• finishing - the final stage of installation.

Finishing balcony openings is a matter of taste. Most importantly, regardless of the design chosen, this space will be warm and comfortable. Eenergy costs will decrease, the room will become larger. When choosing a semi-warm installation, you can use the balcony year-round. The quality and choice of modern materials allows you to equip the space in any style.

See the following video for major glazing errors in balconies.